Small Batch Cherry Tomato Jam is an easy, savory preserve that highlights the bright sweetness of cherry tomatoes. This versatile jam makes a fantastic condiment for cheese boards, burgers, sandwiches, grilled fish, roasted meats, and more.
Even though Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer, late-summer produce is still at its peak in many gardens and markets. If you have a bounty of cherry tomatoes — like Sunburst gold and classic red varieties — this small-batch jam is a perfect way to use them. It concentrates fresh tomato flavor into a sticky, tangy-sweet spread in about 20 minutes.
If you enjoy homemade preserves, you might already be familiar with other small-batch jams such as fig jam or strawberry-rhubarb jam. This cherry tomato version leans savory rather than purely sweet, so it complements salty and rich foods beautifully.
The method is intentionally simple: sauté aromatics, add spices and tomatoes, and simmer until the tomatoes burst and the mixture thickens. The total hands-on time is short, and most of the work is waiting for the jam to reduce to the right consistency. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for reliable results.
This recipe uses shallot and garlic for depth, chili powder and smoked paprika for warmth and a hint of smoke, thyme for herbal lift, red wine vinegar for acidity, and pure maple syrup to balance the tomatoes’ natural brightness. The result is sweet, tangy, and slightly savory — addictive on a toasted baguette or spooned over grilled chicken.
Serve the jam on burgers, sandwiches, and wraps, or use it as a finishing topping for grilled meats and fish. It shines on a cheese board, especially with creamy cheeses like brie or ricotta, and also pairs nicely with cured meats. Because it’s quick to make, you can whip up a fresh jar whenever you have an abundance of cherry tomatoes.
More cherry tomato recipes:
- Quick roasted cherry tomato sauce
- Grilled fish tacos with cherry tomato-corn salsa
- Slow-roasted heirloom cherry tomatoes
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review below and tag @flavorthemoments on social media to share your creations.
Small Batch Cherry Tomato Jam
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot, chopped (about 1/3 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 lbs. cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 large sprig thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large stainless steel or other non-reactive pot over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and whole garlic cloves and sauté for 3–5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the chili powder and smoked paprika and sauté for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, water, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, thyme sprig, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer, stirring often, until the tomatoes burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 10–15 minutes. If the pan becomes dry or the tomatoes begin to stick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water and lower the heat.
- Remove from the heat, discard the thyme sprig (or strip the leaves if you prefer to leave them in), and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the jam cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10–14 days.
Notes
- A medley of Sunburst gold and red cherry tomatoes works beautifully, but any small tomato will do.
- This jam is intentionally rustic and chunky. For a smoother texture, pulse the cooled jam in a food processor to your desired consistency.
- If you prefer a sweeter jam, increase the maple syrup by a tablespoon at a time. To increase acidity, add a splash more vinegar, tasting as you go.
Nutrition
Calories: 62 kcal, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 150 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 8 g
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is intended as a guideline only.